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Kuqi: Why I Want to Be Town Boss
Thursday, 12th Apr 2018 18:12 by Mel Henderson

His application for Town’s managerial vacancy duly submitted, former fans’ favourite Shefki Kuqi has underlined his love for the club and in an exclusive interview told TWTD why he believes he is a credible candidate to replace the departed Mick McCarthy.

Kuqi may be only one of many hoping to fill the vacancy but few, if any, of his rivals will be remembered so affectionately by supporters of a certain vintage, such was the Finnish international striker’s immediate impact upon joining the club in September 2003, initially on a three-month loan deal from Sheffield Wednesday that soon secured him a permanent contract and saw him remain at Portman Road for almost two years.

Indeed, it was only the opportunity to realise his Premier League dream that led to his departure, and he has recalled how he twice rejected overtures from Norwich City, first of all to join Ipswich in the first place and secondly when his contract expired and the Canaries made another unsuccessful move to lure him up the A140 to Carrow Road.

Fifteen years ago it took roughly six minutes for Kuqi to capture the hearts of supporters when he scored on his debut at Watford, having been chauffeured down from Manchester by Willie Donachie, with whom he had worked at Hillsborough and who subsequently joined Town as assistant to manager Joe Royle.

Kosovo-born Kuqi, remembered for his amazing belly-flop dive after every goal he scored, said: “When I joined Ipswich everything happened so quickly. I only met my new team-mates at the hotel where we had our pre-match meal. Joe told me I would be starting on the bench — he said ‘Have a look and see what we expect of you’ — and then I would come on in the second half.

“We were 1-0 down when I came on at half-time and with one of my first touches I scored the equaliser. Jim [Magilton] scored that great freekick, we won 2-1 and from that moment everything went well. The fans were shouting and singing ‘Sign him up’. I got the connection and I have never lost it. You could say it was love at first sight.

“It was about three weeks later that Ipswich first started to talk about me signing permanently and they made me an offer. That was when I heard from Norwich and they were offering to pay me twice as much. But my loyalty was to Ipswich so I followed my heart and signed for them.”

The move was completed in November that year and paid off handsomely for both parties, Kuqi’s arrival coinciding with a run that saw Town lose just twice in 15 league games and ultimately saw them qualify for the play-offs, the powerful striker’s eventual end-of-season tally of 11 goals in 29 league starts doing a lot to power them on their way.

But that was merely an appetiser, Kuqi delivering 19 league goals in the 2004/05 campaign as they secured another top six finish, only for their promotion hopes to be dashed once again by West Ham, managed at the time by Alan Pardew, who may see the Town vacancy as a route back following his recent exit from the Premier League’s bottom club, West Bromwich Albion.

It was decision time again for Kuqi in the summer of 2005. His Ipswich contract coming to an end, he had to weigh up the many offers that came his way. By far the most enticing came from Blackburn Rovers, which allowed him to realise his dream of playing in the Premier League, although he recalls speaking to Town chairman David Sheepshanks and making him a promise.

Kuqi, who is married with two children, added: “Norwich came back in for me but I wasn’t interested. I had a chat with David Sheepshanks and I promised him that if I didn’t have an opportunity to go to the Premier League I would not talk to anyone else without first talking to him.

“That was how we left it and to this day we still have a really strong connection. It was my dream to play in the Premier League but if that opportunity had not been there I would never have left this club. This place is like my second home.”

His international career saw him score eight goals in 62 games and after Blackburn he served Crystal Palace, joining both Fulham and Town on loan before moving on to Koblenz, Swansea, Derby, Newcastle, Oldham and, finally, Hibernian before retiring and turning to coaching and management back in Finland, his adopted country after fleeing with his family at the age of 12 to claim asylum there.

“My first chance in management, at FC Honka, came earlier than I had expected,” said Kuqi. “They had financial problems but you know me, I love a challenge. It has been that way throughout my life. It was a tough job but I knew my love of the game would see me through and I duly kept them in the Premier League.


“I was building a team for the new season and we had been promised some new investment. But when I was away on holiday with my family I had a phone call to say the club had gone bankrupt. It couldn’t be saved; there were so many debts the club folded, finished completely.

“My next club was PK-35 Vantaa, who were in the Championship, and the guys who were going to invest in my first club said they were prepared to invest again. But two weeks before the season was due to start they pulled out.

“It was a hell of a job but my attitude has always been that nothing is easy in life. We started the season well but once again I encountered problems.

“The players were not being paid and we were warned that we could lose points. So, do you know what I did? I worked with the players every day and after training was over I went out and about to find sponsors.

“I did quite well, we kept the points and we finished second in the table, which meant a play-off against the team that finished second bottom of the Premier League.

“We drew the first game at home 0-0 but when I spoke to the press afterwards I said I was still confident we would go up. Well, we went 3-0 up in the second game, won it and got promoted.

“Sadly, in the new season, it got to the stage where I couldn’t continue. I am a loyal, honest guy and I always put the players first. But I got to the stage where I couldn’t sleep at night.

“I had created a great atmosphere within the squad but I knew I had to go. Physically, I couldn’t take it any longer. If I can’t focus 100 per cent on my job then I don’t want to do it.

“So I left PK and then I was offered the job at Inter Turku, who were in the relegation zone. A win in the last game of the season would have taken us three places higher in the table but unfortunately we lost and finished second bottom.

“So I was in the play-offs again but this time I was in the opposite position to before, not trying to reach the Premier League but to stay there.

“We won to keep Inter in the Premier League and the owners said there were going to be big changes for the new season, which was last year, but I knew it was always going to be difficult.

“Basically, I wanted to bring in my own people, but the owner appointed an assistant coach who I didn’t know. His title was sports director but I always knew there was going to be a problem.

“Inevitably, we had some issues and I eventually went to the owner and said ‘Listen, you have to make a decision. It’s me or him’. He made his decision — I had to go — and in a way I was happy.

“I had taken over when they were in a relegation fight and when I left halfway through last season we were fifth in the table. In other words, they were in a position to challenge for a top three place.

“I have always brought in young players — for example, at my first club Honka I gave a debut to Aapo Halme and he went on to join HJK, the biggest club in the country, before Leeds signed him in January.

“He was only 16, the youngest first-team player in Finland, when I gave him his debut. Throughout my time I have always wanted to give young players an opportunity and I know Ipswich have always been keen to develop their own players.

“I believe in the policy and it is one of the main attractions of being manager of Ipswich. For me, everything starts on the training ground.”

Kuqi, who has attended Town’s last four home games while staying with friends in the area and formally applied for the job on Monday, still retains the same desire and determination that paved the way for a career as a footballer.

He added: “I know I was never a top player. I wasn’t technically gifted — I was far from that — but through hard work I managed to play in the Premier League and against some of the best defenders around at the time.

“I was a striker, I scored goals and as a manager I always want my teams to play attacking football. I don’t mind admitting that in my last job we lost a few points away from home because I wanted to have a go.

“I would rather go for the three points instead of being happy with one, but I know it is about understanding the circumstances of the league. It can depend on a number of factors.

“I see the Championship in England as the most exciting league you can find, even if there is a huge financial gap between a lot of the clubs. The cash difference is like night and day, but you can’t see it during 90 minutes on the field, and the only way to close it is through the work you do on the training ground. That’s where I see my strength.

“As a player I always wanted to be the fittest I could possibly be because that way I could compete. So, as a manager, I have always given my players the opportunity to be the fittest they can be. I do it by bringing in the best people so that every angle is covered in making the players the very best they can be when they go out to compete on a Saturday afternoon.”

Why does he want to be the next Ipswich manager? He explained: “First and foremost, I love the club. They changed my life because they gave me an opportunity that led to me playing in the Premier League, the best league in the world, and since then I have always kept Ipswich close to my heart.

“I am very passionate about the club and I see this as a great opportunity for me to put something back and try to bring back the good times to Portman Road. I travelled up and down the country as a player and represented many different clubs but I never really got the same feeling for any of the others that I have for Ipswich.

“I liken my time here as a player to being a member of a loving family because I was surrounded by so many good, friendly people.

“The connection with the fans is very important to me. I had it as a player. The Ipswich fans were so passionate. The club is the biggest thing in Ipswich, the biggest thing around for many miles, and players must connect with the fans. There is nothing better than making them happy.

“I accept there will be defeats but what matters most is the manner in which you lose. All I ever ask of my players is that they give everything. At the end of the game, can you go and look at yourself in the mirror and ask ‘Did I give everything?’ If not, why not?

“Be honest with yourself. Fans are not stupid and if they can see you are giving everything they will forgive you, support you and you will have more success than failure.

“In my application I have added the names of two people I would want alongside me if I am successful. It is not all about me, it is about the club and the best way forward, and I firmly believe I have what it takes to lead them on a new, exciting journey.

“When I signed for Ipswich as a player I gave absolutely everything. It will be no different if I am lucky enough to be the new manager. The only difference will be that I won’t be doing a belly flop when we win!”


Photos: TWTD/Action Images



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Edmundo added 15:47 - Apr 12
Head says run and don't look back. Heart says he deserves a role somewhere in the Club. Just not as manager. Steijn, Hurst, N Jones or Warburton.
4

terryf added 16:03 - Apr 12
Both Alf Ramsey and Bobby Robson had very little experience before they managed the Town but they didn't do a bad job did they?

Shefki might be a gamble but he is certainly very passionate about Ipswich.

Personally I think a wait and see policy is probably the sensible idea and a Steijn or Cook would fit the bill for me, but Shefki might just be a dark horse.
4

blackcat added 16:15 - Apr 12
I really like Kuqi and I feel he is a great potential manager
He has heart and that is so important in football and sadly hard to find these days.
He is honest and a fighter we could do a lot worse.
1

BobbyBell added 16:26 - Apr 12
Experienced managers just do the round these days.. Succeed here, fail there. Those that are really good are already taken. Also every great manager needed to be given a chance and we did that with Ramsey and Robson. Even so called experience managers are a gamble these days and we don't want another Jewell or Keane do we?
Don't forget that there were calls for Bobby Robson to be sacked in the few years but the Cobbolds gave him time All Bobby asked for when he came here was time to create what he wanted and look what he created.
4

Ippy89 added 17:12 - Apr 12
Sign him up!! Bring him in with an experienced right hand man and background staff. Sometimes you have to take small calculated risks for a huge reward!
-2

Ippy89 added 17:13 - Apr 12
Ps: wonder if he can still do the dive!?
0

Taricco_Fan added 17:43 - Apr 12
We all know Shefki is a top bloke and has a genuine fondness for our club. He's saying all the right things here.

His appointment would be the riskiest by far of all the names linked to the job. There's no doubt he has the passion and his heart is certainly in the right place but I would prefer a candidate with managerial experience at a higher level. I think we need someone who has proven himself in the lower leagues or in a more competitive league abroad.

It's just too big a gamble for me.
1

jas0999 added 18:18 - Apr 12
Absolutely loved Kuqi as a player. Went from the sublime to the ridiculous! Fantastic to watch, great character and clearly loves the club and the fans.

BUT. Manager material? I'm not sold. His record isn't great. Not sure he has sufficient experience for us at the moment. First team coach - absolutely. Manager. Not for me.
5

davidjohnsonitfc added 18:43 - Apr 12
Get in Graham Potter , Östersunds FK , what he's done at the little club
4

bluelodgeblue added 18:47 - Apr 12
I'd want it if I was out of a job
2

Suffolk_n_Good added 20:14 - Apr 12
Wow! Enjoyed every word of that! He bleeds blue! Surely we should be getting him on board in a coaching capacity, I'm not sure he's the man we need at this time, but boy, his enthusiasm is top drawer!!
6

Town7579 added 20:20 - Apr 12
Maybe shefki is what we need, not to set the world a light, or even promotion. But to get our ipswich back and everything that makes ipswich the special club we have always been.
4

Reuserscurtains added 21:44 - Apr 12
Loved Kuqi as a player, his powerful runs would get anyone off their seat. Unsure he had much of a football brain as a player though,, so unsure management is for him? He has said all the right things but but I'm sure 100s of ex players would say the same.
Unfortunately a no from me, I don't think you stable a ship to then take a gamble. Go for someone who has more of managerial pediagree. The Dutch bloke ticks the boxes for me!
2

armchaircritic59 added 22:32 - Apr 12
Yes, PragmaticBlue, you're completely right about Maurice Steijn having no experience in England and the Championship. However he's doing very well at a higher level in Holland. Ok, you can argue Dutch football at the moment isn't quite what it was, but the league his VVV-Venlo team are competing in still contains the likes of PSV Eindhoven and Ajax etc. Yes, it's a risk, as would be anyone. I love the saying "The biggest risk is to take no risk at all"! We do seem to do pretty well in general with Dutch recruits! Keeping to the Dutch theme, having looked at the 5th photo in this article, i simply don't remember ever having Arjen Robben at Portman Road!
3

1RWR added 23:11 - Apr 12
Everyone's had their 'two pennyworth.........how about this dream team?

Manager: Shefki Kuqi
Director of Football: George Burley

Can't really see it happening, but nice to dream eh?
-1

cobboldblue added 23:20 - Apr 12
Sorry but seriously no way.
2

stiffy501 added 23:38 - Apr 12
No thank you. The more I read the more I'm swaying towards the Dutch bloke, the Cowley boys certainly seem to have the winning formula that makes them a strong possibility. I like the look of Paul Cook and Mogga but they both could be in this division next season with there respective clubs and would they want to move to us ? Last but not least I still admire Nigel Clough, done miracles keeping Burton up this long and plays good football, could well get this squad going !!
1

Dissboyitfc added 07:02 - Apr 13
My heart is saying a massive yes, he would be the very opposite of MM in every sense of the word! The brain is saying no, maybe an assistant though!
1

The_suffolk_punch added 08:27 - Apr 13
I will always remember his swan dive but looking at his managerial exp and win rates I would be very worried about him as our manager. We need to use our heads not our hearts and I know MM wasn't a fan favorite but this would be a massive swing in the other direction.

FC Honka 20.51%
PK-35 Vantaa 44.26%
FC Inter Turku 33.33%
0

carlo88 added 08:51 - Apr 13
Great interview, maybe a bit too passionate? And it says on Wikipedia he supports Man Utd!!
1

rollercoastertown added 09:44 - Apr 13
Everything about this application says no. No experience, No pedigree, No proven track record at anywhere near this level. SO WHY....has this ignited a light inside, WHY does this get me thinking YES....this man could actually make matchday at Portman road an enjoyable experience again. I'm not sure he will get us promoted, I don't even know if he will keep us in this division!!! (How crazy is that?).... but I do know it will be US, management, players and fans as one big US.
-1

BobbyBell added 10:51 - Apr 13
So called proven manager continually fail. Our clubs best successes have been with unproven managers. The only proven managers who did well here are probably John Lyall and Joe Royal,. but Ramsey, Robson and Burley had not had big club experience or success. Robson was sacked by Fulham, Burley had been at Ayr and Colchester.
The experienced men like Jewell, Keane and Duncan failed. I don't want someone who is here for the money, I want someone who is here for the good of the club.
The fact that McClaren and Pardew are mentioned scares the well out of me.
2

wilnisfan added 11:14 - Apr 13
I think Marcus is looking at the potential Kerry go round of international managers after the world cup. If Mick goes to Republic of Ireland then maybe we would get...
0

Monkey_Blue added 12:29 - Apr 13
The_suffolk_punch- the two top tier teams he managed to 11th place out of 12 teams with them having finished 2nd & 4th the seasons before he took over.

There are some seriously nieve or deluded people on here. It's a good job they aren't making the decision.

He might be a football management genius, but genius's don't usually drastically finish their teams results. I wonder how many Finnish top flight clubs would be slugging it out to appoint him if they needed a new boss
0

Monkey_Blue added 13:56 - Apr 13
The so called Manager Merry go round did exist before but I think some managers are being dismissed as possible on here because they have had a few jobs recently. Don't get me wrong, I don't want Pardew or McLaren, but the amount of time a manager gets these days before being sacked is ridiculous. This means there are managers out there that have had several jobs and possibly less than 6 years total management experience. Neil Harris I think is now the longest serving manager in the championship since Mick left here.

Kuqi however other than having played for us, hasn't demonstrated any credentials to get the job and I would fear relegation or is having sack him pre Xmas and bring in a proven manager to try and save us. We have a small budget and are well above many teams who have substatial ones.

I think MM had to go given the atmosphere at Portman Road and that had even spread to the away games, but he wrung everything out of the budget to have us never in danger of a relegation fight.

Anyone who thinks Kuqi is a sane choice knows nothing about today's football and the constraints MM worked under.
1


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